- Global revenue to hit $12.2bn by 2028, growing 114%
- 5G adoption slower than expected despite advantages
What happened: Private networks market set for explosive growth
The private cellular network market is poised for significant expansion, with global revenue projected to grow by 114% to reach $12.2bn by 2028, up from $5.7bn in 2025, according to a study by Juniper Research. Despite this growth, the adoption of 5G technology within private networks has been slower than anticipated, with 5G expected to account for less than half of the market value by 2028. The research highlights that while 5G offers advanced capabilities such as network slicing, which has been a key driver for private networks, the technology has not yet gained widespread traction due to high costs and integration complexities.
One of the primary drivers of this market growth is the ongoing digital transformation across industries, particularly the push towards Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. These initiatives aim to digitise industrial processes and integrate advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and smart machines into workflows. However, the study notes that 4G and LTE technologies continue to dominate the market, as they meet the connectivity needs of most enterprises at a lower operational cost. This has led to a slower uptake of 5G, despite its superior speed, latency, and capacity benefits.
The report also highlights the increasing adoption of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) business models, which are expected to drive the deployment of nearly 3,000 private networks over the next two years. NaaS offers enterprises a cost-effective and scalable solution, enabling them to lease private network elements rather than investing heavily in infrastructure. This model is particularly appealing to industries such as manufacturing and logistics, where 4G technologies remain sufficient for current needs.
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Why it’s important
The projected growth of the private cellular network market underscores the increasing demand for secure, reliable, and scalable connectivity solutions across industries. As enterprises continue to digitise their operations, private networks offer a way to enhance efficiency, security, and control over critical data. The slower-than-expected adoption of 5G, however, highlights the challenges of transitioning to newer technologies, particularly when existing solutions like 4G and LTE remain cost-effective and sufficient for many use cases.
The rise of NaaS models is a significant development, as it lowers the barrier to entry for enterprises looking to deploy private networks. By offering flexible, scalable, and cost-efficient solutions, NaaS enables businesses to manage operational costs more effectively while still benefiting from advanced connectivity. This trend is particularly relevant for industries undergoing rapid digital transformation, such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.
The findings also emphasise the importance of addressing the cost and complexity barriers associated with 5G adoption. While 5G offers clear advantages, its widespread implementation will require vendors to develop more accessible and affordable solutions. As the market evolves, the ability to balance innovation with practicality will be crucial for driving long-term growth and adoption.
